Personal item management apparatus

ABSTRACT

An embodiment personal item management apparatus includes a wearable band having a fixed circumference that defines a first outer diameter; and a clasp coupled to the wearable band, the clasp having a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter and being adapted to couple a personal item to the wearable band. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the second outer diameter to the first outer diameter is about 0.4.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priorityto, U.S. Application No. 61/929,750, filed Jan. 21, 2014, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Individuals often carry a number of personal items with them as they goabout their day. Such personal items include, for example, keys, a keyfob, a coin purse, a credit card case, a bottle of sanitizer, a framedphotograph, and so on. As technology advances and portable electronicdevices get smaller and smaller, the personal items may also includemobile or smart phones, a hands-free device (e.g., Blue tooth device), aportable music player (e.g., iPod), and so on. Some of these personalitems may include their own customized case, such as glasses,sunglasses, and so on.

In order to transport and temporarily store all of these person items,an individual may rely on a purse, a handbag, a backpack, or the like.Unfortunately, trying to quickly locate and access a desired personalitem inside, for example, a purse can be challenging.

The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, such as a personalitem management apparatus, that overcomes one or more of theshortcomings in the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptionstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a personal item management apparatus, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates another view of the personal item managementapparatus of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the personal item management apparatusof FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates the personal item management apparatus of FIG. 1 anda bag used to store the personal item management apparatus of FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates the personal item management apparatus of FIG. 1bearing several personal items, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates the personal item management apparatus of FIG. 1while being worn about a user's wrist, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates the personal item management apparatus of FIG. 1while being worn about a user's arm, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments orexamples. Specific examples of components and arrangements are describedbelow to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merelyexamples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the presentdisclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the variousexamples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarityand does not in itself dictate a relationship between the variousembodiments and/or configurations discussed.

In an exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, a personalitem management apparatus is generally referred to by the referencenumeral 10 and includes a ring, or wearable band 12, and a clasp 14coupled to the band 12. As will be more fully explained below, theapparatus 10 aims to give individuals (e.g., women) a comfortable,hands-free way to stay organized and carry their personal items. Theapparatus 10 also permits the personal items to be accessed, removed,and returned without difficulty and without causing damage tofingernails or nail polish thereon.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the band 12 may be formed from a cover 16disposed around an inner core 18 (shown in FIG. 2). In an exemplaryembodiment, the cover 16 may be formed from a variety of suitablematerials such as, for example, leather, artificial leather, rubber,plastic, and so on. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 16 is held inplace around the inner core 18 by stitching. However, the cover 16 maybe otherwise secured using, for example, an adhesive.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 16 may be dyed or otherwiseprovided with one or more aesthetically pleasing colors, patterns,designs, words, phrases, images, and so on. In an exemplary embodiment,the cover 16 and the stitching used to secure the cover 16 in place maybe the same or different colors. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover16 may be formed from waterproof or water resistant materials orappropriately treated to impart these qualities. In an exemplaryembodiment, the cover 16 has a fixed circumference that defines a firstouter diameter 19.

In an exemplary embodiment, the band 12 is sized and dimensioned toslide over the wrist of a wearer. Therefore, the band 12 may be wornlike a bracelet. In an exemplary embodiment, the band 12 is sized anddimensioned to fit snugly, but comfortably, around the arm of a wearer.Therefore, the band 12 may be worn like an armband. By way of example,the band 12 may be temporarily secured around the bicep or forearm ofwearer. In an exemplary embodiment, the band 12 is sized and dimensionedso that the band 12 is unable to slide beyond the forearm or elbow ofthe wearer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inner core 18 may be flexible in orderto permit the shape of the band 12 to adapt to the size of theindividual wearing the band 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the innercore 18 is a two-part apparatus comprising of a hollow rubber tube witha spring inside. Even so, the inner core 18 may be otherwise suitableformed. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner core 18 may be formed froma relatively rigid or non-flexible material.

In an exemplary embodiment, the clasp 14 may include a gate 20 that ispivotably attached to a clasp body 22. In an exemplary embodiment, thegate 20 has a first end 20 a that is pivotably coupled to one end 22 aof the clasp body 22 and an opposing second end 20 b that moves relativeto another end 22 b of the clasp body 22. In an exemplary embodiment,the clasp 14 may be formed from a variety of suitable materials such as,for example, stainless steel. Like the cover 16, the clasp 14 may beprovided with one or more aesthetically pleasing colors, patterns,designs, words, phrases, images, and so on. In an exemplary embodiment,the clasp 14 is adapted to couple a personal item to the wearable band12.

In an exemplary embodiment, the clasp 14 resembles a capital “D.” Inother words, the clasp body 22 has an arcuate shape while the gate 20 islinear or straight. Even so, other shapes and configurations arecontemplated. For example, the clasp 14 may be round, oval, rectangular,and so on. In one or exemplary embodiments, the arcuate shape of theclasp body 22 defines a second outer diameter 23. In an exemplaryembodiment, the second outer diameter 23 is less than the first outerdiameter 19. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the second outerdiameter 23 to the first outer diameter 19 is about 0.4.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gate 20 is spring-loaded. As such, thegate 20 is biased into a closed position as shown in FIG. 1. However,upon application of sufficient force, the gate 20 is able to pivotinwardly towards the clasp body 22 and into an open position. When inthe open position, the clasp 14 is able to receive a personal item suchas, for example, a set of keys 24 depicted in FIG. 1. Once the biasingforce is released, the gate 20 is able to pivot back into the closedposition to temporarily, yet releasably, store the personal item. In anexemplary embodiment, instead of being spring-loaded the gate 20 may beheld in place through a friction fit, a locking mechanism, and so on. Inan exemplary embodiment, an audible click is heard when the gate 20obtains the closed position.

While the personal item in FIG. 1 is depicted as the set of keys 24, theclasp 14 may also receive a key fob, a coin purse, a credit card case, abottle of sanitizer, a framed photograph, a charm, a lanyard, a lipstickor lip gloss case, a mobile or smart phone, a hands-free device (e.g.,Blue tooth device), a portable music player (e.g., iPod), a pair ofglasses or sunglasses or their case, and so on. Indeed, any personalitem with a small ring, a loop of material, and so on, may be securelyheld by the clasp 14 for easy future access.

While only a single clasp 14 has been illustrated in FIG. 1, a pluralityof the clasps 14 may and often will be used simultaneously in practicalapplications. Indeed, several of the clasps 14 may be attached to theband 12 in order to hold a variety of different personal items.Moreover, the personal items on each clasp 14 may be selectivelyremoved, used, and then replaced upon the band 12 as needed by thewearer by manipulating or releasing the gate 20.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the apparatus 10 may be stored or sold within adecorative case or bag 26. In an exemplary embodiment, the bag 26 ismade from a soft but durable material that can be cinched closed at thetop using a drawstring. In an exemplary embodiment, the bag 26 is sizedand dimensioned to store a single apparatus 10 or several apparatusessimultaneously.

As shown in FIG. 5, in an embodiment one of the clasps 14 may be used tosecure several of the personal items. In other embodiments, each of theclasps 14 may be tasked with holding a single personal item. In anexemplary embodiment, the band 12 may receive one clasp 14 holding asingle personal item and another clasp 14 holding several personalitems.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the band 12 from the apparatus 10 may be slidover the wrist of a wearer, or user, while the personal items, such asthe keys 24, are being held in place by the clasp 14. As shown, the band12 is somewhat larger than the wrist of the wearer such that the band 12may be comfortable disposed on the wrist like a bracelet.

As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus 10 may be slid further up the armuntil snugly fit around the bicep or upper aim of the wearer. Becausethe band 12 is flexible, the band 12 is able to adapt to the contour ofthe wearer's arm and remain in place. Indeed, once comfortablypositioned around the aim, the band 12 is able to remain in place duringdaily activity like walking. In an exemplary embodiment, the band 12 mayeven stay in place during more strenuous activities like jogging orrunning.

In an exemplary embodiment and when the apparatus 10 is not in usearound the wrist or arm, one of the clasps 14 of the apparatus 10 may beused to secure the apparatus 10 to a belt loop on a pair of pants, aloop on a purse or backpack, the ring found on a wristlet or tote, andso on. Therefore, the apparatus 10 is multi-functional relative to basickey rings using a slit ring design.

From the foregoing, it should be recognized that the apparatus 10 givesindividuals a comfortable, hands-free way to stay organized and carrydesired items (e.g., keys). Those items are readily accessible relativeto when they are stored or held in a handbag or purse where they can belost in clutter. In an exemplary embodiment, the band 12 is sufficientlydurable to receive and hold several clasps 14 having one or morepersonal items thereon. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 10uses self-locking clasps 14 instead of the traditional split-ring usedto hold, for example, keys.

An apparatus has been described that includes a wearable band having afixed circumference that defines a first outer diameter; and a claspcoupled to the wearable band, the clasp having a second outer diameterthat is less than the first outer diameter and being adapted to couple apersonal item to the wearable band. In an exemplary embodiment, theratio of the second outer diameter to the first outer diameter is about0.4. In an exemplary embodiment, the wearable band includes a flexibleinner core; and a cover surrounding the inner core. In an exemplaryembodiment, the cover includes a leather material. In an exemplaryembodiment, the clasp includes a clasp body forming an arcuate shapethat defines the second outer diameter; and a gate movable between aclosed position and an open position, the gate having a first endpivotably coupled to one end of the clasp body and an opposing secondend that moves relative to another end of the clasp body; wherein whenthe gate is in the closed position, the opposing second end of the gateis coupled to the another end of the clasp body; and wherein when thegate is in the open position, the opposing second end of the gateextends towards the clasp body. In an exemplary embodiment, the wearableband is adapted to be worn around a user's wrist. In an exemplaryembodiment, the wearable band is adapted to be worn around a user'sbicep. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover comprises at least one of awaterproof material and a water resistant material.

An apparatus has been described that includes a wearable band includinga cover that surrounds a flexible inner core, the band having a fixedfirst outer diameter; and a clasp that couples to the wearable band, theclasp having a second outer diameter that is less than the first outerdiameter; wherein the ratio of the second outer diameter to the firstouter diameter is about 0.4. In an exemplary embodiment, the first outerdiameter defines a fixed circumference. In an exemplary embodiment, theclasp includes a clasp body forming an arcuate shape that defines thesecond outer diameter; and a gate movable between a closed position andan open position, the gate having a first end pivotably coupled to oneend of the clasp body and an opposing second end that moves relative toanother end of the clasp body; wherein when the gate is in the closedposition, the opposing second end of the gate is coupled to another endof the clasp body; and wherein when the gate is in the open position,the opposing second end of the gate extends towards the clasp body. Inan exemplary embodiment, the wearable band is adapted to be worn arounda user's wrist. In an exemplary embodiment, the wearable band is adaptedto be worn around a user's bicep. In an exemplary embodiment, the covercomprises at least one of a waterproof material and a water resistantmaterial.

In several exemplary embodiments, the elements and teachings of thevarious illustrative exemplary embodiments may be combined in whole orin part in some or all of the illustrative exemplary embodiments. Inaddition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the variousillustrative exemplary embodiments may be omitted, at least in part,and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the otherelements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.

Any spatial references such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,”“below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,”“upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,”“right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,”“bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration onlyand do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structuredescribed above.

Although several exemplary embodiments have been described in detailabove, the embodiments described are exemplary only and are notlimiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manyother modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in theexemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, allsuch modifications, changes and/or substitutions are intended to beincluded within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A personal management apparatus, comprising: a wearable band adapted to be worn around at least one of a user's wrist or bicep, the wearable band having a non-adjustable, fixed circumference that defines a first outer diameter; and a clasp coupled to the wearable band, the clasp defining a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter and being adapted to couple a personal item to the wearable band; wherein the wearable band comprises: an inner core formed from a rigid or non-flexible material; and a cover surrounding the inner core, the cover defining an outer surface; wherein the outer surface of the cover extends continuously and uninterruptedly along the fixed circumference of the wearable band in its entirety; wherein the clasp comprises: a clasp body forming an arcuate shape that defines the second outer diameter; and a gate movable between a closed position and an open position, the gate having a first end pivotably coupled to one end of the clasp body and an opposing second end that moves relative to another end of the clasp body; wherein, when the gate of the clasp is in the closed position, the opposing second end of the gate is locked to the another end of the clasp body; wherein, when the gate of the clasp is in the open position, the opposing second end of the gate extends towards the clasp body; wherein the gate of the clasp is spring loaded so that: the gate of the clasp is biased into the closed position; and the gate of the clasp is configured to be moved from the closed position to the open position in response to an application of a force against the gate; wherein, when the gate is in the open position and the application of the force against the gate is released, the gate of the clasp self locks by moving from the open position to the closed position in which the opposing second end of the gate is locked to the another end of the clasp body; wherein the opposing second end of the gate and the another end of the clasp body are configured so that an audible click is heard when the gate obtains the closed position in which the opposing second end of the gate is locked to the another end of the clasp body; wherein a first inner region is defined by the cover of the wearable band; wherein the first inner region is generally circular in shape; wherein the clasp extends through the first inner region so that the wearable band extends around a portion of the clasp; wherein a second inner region is at least partially defined by the clasp body of the clasp; wherein the wearable band extends through the second inner region so that the clasp extends around a portion of the wearable band when the gate of the clasp is in the closed position; wherein the extension of the clasp through the first inner region, and the extension of the wearable band through the second inner region, couples the clasp to the wearable band; wherein the extension of the clasp through the first inner region, the extension of the wearable band through the second inner region, and the continuous and uninterrupted extension of the outer surface along the fixed circumference of the wearable band in its entirety, permits movement of the clasp relative to the wearable band and along the fixed circumference of the wearable band in its entirety, while the clasp remains coupled to the wearable band; wherein the cover of the wearable band further comprises a stitching having a circular shape, the stitching being adjacent the outer surface defined by the cover, the stitching defining radially-spaced first and second edge portions of the outer surface at which the stitching is adjacent the outer surface, the stitching forming a circular seam that in its entirety is spaced from the inner core in a parallel relation; wherein at least the rigidity of the rigid or non-flexible material from which the inner core of the wearable band is formed, and the stitching of the cover of the wearable band, are configured so that the parallel spacing between the circular seam in its entirety and the inner core is maintained; wherein the maintenance of the parallel spacing between the seam in its entirety and the inner core facilitates movement of the clasp relative to the wearable band and along the fixed circumference of the wearable band in its entirety, while the clasp remains coupled to the wearable band; and wherein at least the rigidity of the rigid or non-flexible material from which the inner core of the wearable band is formed is such that, when the personal item is coupled to the wearable band by the clasp and the personal item applies a gravity-induced load against the wearable band: the first outer diameter of the wearable band remains generally constant; the circular shape of the first inner region is generally maintained; and since the first outer diameter of the wearable band remains generally constant and the circular shape of the first inner region is generally maintained, the clasp continues to be permitted to move relative to the wearable band and along the fixed circumference of the wearable band in its entirety, while the clasp remains coupled to the wearable band and the personal item is coupled to the clasp.
 2. The personal management apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the second outer diameter to the first outer diameter is about 0.4.
 3. The personal management apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a leather material.
 4. The personal management apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises at least one of a waterproof material and a water resistant material. 